Severe Acute Hepatitis B, Caused by High Viral Load: A Case Report

Abstract

Acute hepatitis B cases with very high viral load are rare in communities. This study presents an experience of treating a patient suffering from severe acute hepatitis B with a very high viral load. A 38-year-old Iranian male was diagnosed with acute hepatitis B with early and progressive liver dysfunction and a very high viral load. Treatment with Tenofovir was started. The complete response to treatment was achieved with multidisciplinary management; the patient was discharged after a week. A history of not being vaccinated against the hepatitis B virus and the job conditions could be the main causes of increased risks for his illness. However, the high viral load can be considered as the cause of severe acute hepatitis B development. The prompt and accurate diagnosis followed by suitable treatment choice led to the most favorable outcome.

Keywords

• Hepatitis B
• High viral load
• Liver diseases
• Tenofovir